Folding-leg table with means to latch legs in extended position



United States Patent [72] Inventor William P. De Saussure 2,860,940 1 1/1958 De Saussure 108/133 Englewood, New Jersey 2,963,331 12/1960 Bereman 108/131X 5; L 1968 Primary Examiner-James A. Leppink E 3 z f 1970 Assistant Examiner-Jan A. Calvert p AttarneyBrumbaugh, Graves, Donohue and Raymond [73] Assignee De Saussure Equipment Company, Inc. Maywood, New Jersey acorporauon of New Jersey ABSTRACT: A folding-leg table has a latching member for each leg engageable in a slot formed in the leg to latch the leg [54] FoLmNG LEG TABLE WITH MEANS To LATCH in an extended position. Each latching member is mounted loosely on a rotatable shaft, and a spring biases each latching LEGS IN EXTENDED POSITION 2 Claims 6 Drawing Figs member towards the latching position. Each latching member is formed with a cam surface engageable with the associated [521 LS. Cl 108/129, leg during movement by the leg from the folded position 108/ 133 to the extended position, so that the latching members are [51] Int. Cl A47b 3/08 f r d away from the latching position by the legs during such [50] Field Of Search l08/l29- l33 vement but nap into the latching position when the legs are fully extended. The surface of each latching member engaging the associated leg is inclined to a reference line at an [56] References cued angle a to improve the latching function. The shaft supports UNITED STATES PATENTS release arms which, when the shaft is rotated, move the as- 1,985,284 12/ 1934 Cuffel 108/133 sociated latching members away from the latching position to 2,150,878 3/1939 De Saussure 108/130 'permit the legs to be folded.

M I K p Q w 4 38 O S B 2/ T U x 4 Jl //7 0 l 5,5,

l //a x x 7 a L L c Z A Sheet Patented Sept. 15, 1970 .L v a INVENTOR.

/ WILLIAM P. DE SAUSSURE \x l BY I 11111 W) W w m b KM his nrromvsrs I Patented Sept. 15, 1970 I 3,528,377

, mvuN-mR. WILLIAM R DE SAUSSURE BY M. @M, QWAKW ms ATTORNEYS.

FOLDING-LEG TABLE WITH MEANS TO LATCH LEGS IN EXTENDED POSITION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to latching mechanisms and, more particularly, to novel and highly-effective latching mechanisms adapted to latch the folding legs of an article of furniture such as a folding-leg table in an extended position.

Conventional tables and other articles of furniture provided with folding legs typically have a number of serious deficiencies. For example, the latching mechanism is usually visible from a position to one side of the table or other article of furniture when the legs are extended and the table or other article of furniture is upright in its intended position of use. Also, the construction of the latching mechanism is typically such that the legs cannot be located at or even very near the corners of the table. As a result, the stability of the table is les- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to remedy the deficiencies of the prior art outlined above. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a folding-leg table in which the latching mechanism for latching the legs in an extended position is concealed when the legs are in an extended position. A further object of the invention is to provide a folding-leg table in which the legs can be mounted at or very near the corners of the table when the legs are extended. Another object of the invention is to provide a latching mechanism for a folding-leg table of such design that normal manufacturing tolerances do not result in a failure of the latch to retain the legs in an extended position or a in a rocker condition of the table when the legs are extended and the table is'placed on an even or nearly even surface.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention are attained, in a representative embodiment thereof, by the provision, in apparatus having first and second members relatively pivotable about a first axis with respect to each other between first and second positions and a latching mechanism for latching the members in the second position, of a slot formed in the second member and means pivotally mounting the latching member for movement between a releasing position and a latching position, the latching member being formed with a cam surface and a nose portion. Biasing means is also provided for engaging the latching member and urging the latching member towards the latching position, so that, when the members move from the first position to the second position, the second member engages the cam surface and pivots the latching member momentarily away from the latching position, the latching member being snaped into the latching position by the biasing means when the members reach the second position. The latching member is designed with a sloping surface that compensates for wear and manufacturing tolerances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Additional aspects of the invention can best be understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of several representative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the appended figures of the drawing, in which:

FIG. I is a bottom plan view of a representative embodiment of a folding-leg table according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows, FIG. 2 being on a scale larger than FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus being shown upside down and the leg being shown in an extended position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing a second embodiment of the invention and further showing the leg in an extended position;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of a third embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along the line 6--6of FIG. 5 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. I shows a first embodiment of a folding-leg table 10 constructed in accordance with the invention. The table 10is shown in bottom plan view in order to illustrate the latching mechanism of the invention. Separate latching mechanisms l2, l4, l6, and 18 are provided for each of the four legs 20, 22, 24, and 26 with which the table 10 is provided. The first pair of legs 20 and 22 are connected by a first crossbar 28 so that they move as a unit, while the second pair of legs 24 and 26 are connected by a second crossbar 30 so that they also move as a unit. The legs are pivotable between the folded position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and an extended position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Each of the latching mechanisms 12, 14, 16, and 18 is preferably substantially identical to, or substantially a mirror image of, the others, so that a detailed description of only one is sufficient for an understanding of all.

FIG. 2 shows in detail a representative latching mechanism 12 according to the invention. The latching mechanism 12 includes a latching member 32 having a cam surface 34 and a nose portion 36. The leg 20 is formed with a slot 38 engageable with the latching member 32 and, more particularly, the nose portion 36 thereof, when the leg 20 is in an extended position.

The latching member 32 is biased toward the latching position (in a clockwise direction as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4) by a spring 40 (FIGS. 1-3), '40 (FIG. 4), 40 (FIG. 5), or other biasing means. It is prevented from moving in a clockwise position beyond the position shown in FIG. 2 by engagement of a tip 74 with the under surface 76 of the rectangular table top 78.

The latching member 32 and a release arm 42 are mounted on a shaft 44 journaled in bearings 46 (FIG. 3) and rotatable about an axis 44' (FIGS. 2 and 4). The latching member 32 is loose, and the release arm 42 fast, on the shaft 44. The leg 20 is mounted pivotally about a shaft 46 having an axis 46' parallel to, and displaced inwardly from, the axis 44'.

When the leg 20 is pivoted from the folded position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inside surface 48 of the leg 20, and possibly also the corner 50, between the slot 38 and the upper extremity of the leg, engage the cam surface 34 and pivot the latching member 32 counterclockwise (as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4).

When the leg 20 pivots to the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spring 40 (FIGS. 1-3), 40' (FIG. 4), or 40" (FIG. 5) pivots the latching member 32 in a clockwise direction (as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4), so that the nose portion 36 of the latching member 32 snaps into the slot 38, thus securely latching the leg 20 in the extended position.

The nose portion 36 is formed with a surface 37 engageable with the means defining the slot 38, the surface 37 being inclined to a line 37' normal to a line 37" between the latching member axis 44' and the surface 37. The angle, designated a in FIG. 4, is greater than zero but sufficiently small that a force tending to pivot the leg 20 from the extended position to the folded position is ineffective to cam the nose portion 36 out of the means defining the slot 38.

By virtue of this construction, the farther the latching member 32 extends into the slot 38, the tighter the latching function. Moreover, compensation is made for wear and manufacturing tolerances in that the angular orientation of the latching member is automatically adjusted by the spring 40, 40' or 40" until the surface 37 firmly engages the means forming the slot 38. It will be observed in this connection that the shoulder 74 is slightly spaced apart from the table top 78 when the leg 20 is latched in the extended position, thus allowing the requisite angular movement of the latching member 32 to compensate for wear, manufacturing tolerances, etc.

The shaft 46 about which the leg 20 pivots, the shaft 44 about which the latching member 32 pivots, and the point at which the nose portion 36 engages the slot 38 when the leg 20 is in an extended position thus form a triangulated structure of great rigidity. An excessive force applied to the leg 20 tending to close the leg will result in destruction of the leg 20, the shaft 44 or 46, the nose portion 36, the slot 38, or the table top 78 before it will result in an unlatching of the latching mechanism 12 and a folding of the leg 20 to the folded position. A table provided with latches according to the invention can be piled with heavy objects and pushed across a floor without danger of collapse of the table through failure of the latching mechanism. This is particularly advantageous in the case where folding tables are brought out for temporary use as at banquets, meetings, etc., and are positionally adjusted in part at least by pushing them across a floor.

Actuation of the release arm 42, and of release arms 52, 54, and 56, respectively associated with the latching mechanisms l4, l6, and 18 (FIG. 1), permits folding of the legs 20, 22, 24, and 26. Actuation of the relaease arms 42 and 52 is accomplished by rotation of the first shaft 44, and actuation of the release arms 54 and 56 is accomplished by rotation of the second shaft 58. The first and second shafts 44 and 58 are provided with release plates 60 and 62, respectively, which can be depressed (or raised, with the table in an upright position) by rotation of a rod 64 extending between the release plates 60 and 62 and rotatably mounted in journals 66. The rod 64 is provided with dog legs 68 and .70 respectively engageable with the release plates 60 and 62, and is further provided with lever means 72' manually engageable for rotation of the rod 64 about its longitudinal axis.

When the rod 64 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from a position at the bottom of FIG. 1 looking toward the top of the figure or as viewed in FIG. 4, the dog legs 68 and 70 depress the release plates 60 and 62, respectively (or elevate them, if the table is in an upright position), and rotate the shafts 44 and 58, respectively. This moves the latching member 32 counterclockwise (as seen in FIG. 2) and imparts corresponding movements to the latching members for the other legs to withdraw the nose portions of each latch from the slots in the legs with which they are respectively engageable. The nose portions of the latches being withdrawn from the slots, the legs are easily pivoted from the extended position to the folded position. If desired, any suitable conventional linkage may be provided connecting the legs so that, when one is moved from the extended position to the folded position (or from the folded position to the extended position), all of the legs move together and in the same sense. Such linkages are known per se and need not be described or illustrated here.

It will be observed that the latching mechanism is completely concealed when the table is in normal use. The slot 38 formed in the leg 20, and the similar slots in the other legs, are at or above the elevation of the lowermost portion 72 of the table flange 75 (it being remembered that the table is illustrated upside down in order to show the latching mechanism). The portion 77 of the latching member 32 extending below the rim 72 of the flange 75 may be cut away in order further to conceal it, but this is in general unnecessary, because the latching member 32 is displaced inwardly from the flange 75 a certain distance so that, when the table is in normal use, the eye of an observer to the side of the table and somewhat above it is not in a line of sight with the latching member 32 or even the portion 77 thereof.

The legs can be folded by separate actuation of the release plates 60 and 62 in sequence or by simultaneous actuation thereof by manipulation of the lever means 72'. Also, the

shafts 44 and 58 need not extend continuously from one latching mechanism 12 or 16 to the other 14 or 18 but may be in two sections, each provided with a separate release plate, so that the legs can be independently folded or extended.

The coil spring 40 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is anchored to, and reacts against, the shaft 44 to pivot the latching member 32 as described above. The flat spring 40 shown in the alternate embodiment (FIG. 4) reacts against the table top 78, to which it is attached by fastening means 80, for the same purpose.

FIGS. 5 and 6 disclose another embodiment of the invention, in accordance with which four springs such as the spring 40 respectively engage each of four latching members such as the latching member 32' and, as in the other embodiments, urge the latching members toward their respective latching positions so that the legs, when moved to the extended positions, are engaged and latched in such positions. In accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, each latching member 32' is formed with a notch 33 in which the end 82 of the spring 40" is received.

The spring 40" tends to move counterclockwise (FIG. 6) about the screws and, by engagement in the notch 33, normally urges the latching member 32' clockwise. However, the spring 40" is also adapted, by virtue of its engagement in the slot 33, to be actuated clockwise to move the latching member 32' counterclockwise to the unlatching position. Actuating means including a rod 84 formed with a dog leg 86 is provided for actuating the spring 40 to move it in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 6, thereby pivoting the latching member 32 in a counterclockwise direction to the unlatching position. This is an especially simple and effective release mechanism.

Thus, there is provided in accordance with the invention a novel and highly-effective latching mechanism having many uses but being particularly adapted for use in folding-leg tables. The apparatus of the invention is inexpensive to manufacture and repair and is rugged and adapted to give long and reliable service. When extended, the legs of a table embodying the invention are held rigidly in place by the latching mechanism, by the leg pivot shafts, and by abutment of shoulders 81 (FIGS. 2 and 4) against the surface 76 of the table top 78, thus providing the same freedom from wobbling and rocking characteristic of a fixed-leg table.

Many modifications of the representative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention is to be construed as including all of the modifications thereof within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A folding-leg table comprising a rectangular table top,

four legs respectively connected to said table top adjacent to each comer thereof, each of said legs being pivotable between a folded position and an extended position, a first crossbar connecting said first pair of legs so that they pivot as a unit, a second crossbar connecting said second pair of legs so that they pivot as a unit, a latching mechanism for latching each of said legs in said extended position, said latching mechanism comprising a first pair of latching members respectively connected to said first pair of legs and a second pair of latching members respectively connected to said second pair of legs, a first shaft mounting said first pair of latching members and a second shaft mounting said second pair of latching members, said latching members being mounted loosely on said respective shafts and pivotably between latching and unlatching positions, a spring engaging each of a said latching members and urging said latching members towards said latching positions so that said legs, when moved to said extended positions, are engaged and latched in said extended positions by said latching members, a first pair of release arms mounted fast on said first shaft and respectively engageable with said first pair of latching members, a second pair of release arms mounted fast on said second shaft and respectively engageable with said second pair of latching members, and actuating means for rotating said shafts, whereby said release arms pivot said latching members to said unlatching positions and permit collapse of said legs to said folded positions.

2. A table according to claim 1 wherein said actuating means comprises a first release plate mounted fast on said first FORM UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 528,377 Dated September 15, 1970 Inventor) William P. De Saussure It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet ca p el the figure and insert:

l2 fi i E522 lhm j l 21; .llgl M20 2% I 1.3: 5]:

uh il j-12' (In T u 1 I H 2e M24 l I ml I x a 0 IQ, 5 70 w gg u w flr m u.:. uuvzINIIEHT PRINTING OFFICE "I! OSGSJ4 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION patent 3 ,528 ,377 Dated September 15 1970 William P. De Saussure Inventor(s) Page 2 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent: and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3 line 27 "relaease" should read release Signed and sealed this 14th day of December 1971 (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Acting Commissioner of Patents I FORM PO-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC wan-Pea i lLSI GOVIRNIEI" PRINTING OFFICE: III! 0.)I-3I4 

